Remedies for Bitter Mouth

By bitter mouth we mean the perception of an unpleasant taste. This sensation can be caused by particular circumstances (drugs, food and drinks, stress, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, etc.), bad habits (smoking, poor oral hygiene, etc.) or digestive disorders. Among the latter, some are considered pathological:

• Diseases of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and intestine.
• Hepatic, biliary and pancreatic discomfort.
• Particular diseases or conditions of metabolism.
• Oral infections etc.

The material published is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Bitter Mouth; such indications must in no way replace the opinion of the treating physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. .

Keep any pathologies under control:

• Metabolic.
• Anatomical-functional of the digestive system.

Respect oral hygiene and treat infections:

• Brush your teeth after all meals (waiting around 30-60 ").
• Floss.
• Use mouthwash.

If possible, replace drug therapies.

Reduce the levels of nervous stress that can affect digestion or stomach acid in the fasting state.

Practice physical activity and, if you like, relaxation techniques.

If the bitter mouth is caused by: menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy etc, it is recommended to wait for it to pass by itself and to put into practice the tips regarding the lifestyle.

and depression.

To smoke.

Abusing alcohol.

Taking medications for long periods; especially antibiotics.

Follow an excessive, unregulated and badly distributed diet.

Fasting or following ketogenic diets.

Being overweight.

Neglecting pathological metabolic and anatomical-functional conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Disorders of the esophagus and stomach:
• Hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux.
• Gastritis, peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.
• Disorders of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and sometimes the intestine:
• Liver pain or functional failure.
• Biliary lithiasis.
• Pancreatic suffering or functional insufficiency.
• Intestinal malabsorption for: infection, enzyme deficiency, improper diet, etc.

Neglecting hygiene and any infections of the oral cavity (for example candida).

necessary to support the body and does not cause weight gain or weight loss. An excess of energy, therefore of food, is closely related to poor digestion and consequently to the onset of a bitter mouth.

Consume easily digestible foods: the choice of foods affects digestion and therefore diseases of the digestive system. It is preferable to consume:

• Cereals, potatoes and legumes seasoned in a simple way or accompanied by light ingredients.
• Fruit and vegetables in good quantities but without exaggerating, especially in structured meals.
• Meat, fish products, milk and lean derivatives.

Adopt low or medium intensity cooking techniques that reach the heart of the food. The following are recommended: poaching, steam or pressure boiling, pot-cooking, vacuum cooking, baked in foil and in a pan over low heat.

Divide the total energy of the day into at least 5 meals. The most abundant one is lunch. It is recommended to emphasize snacks to reduce the caloric intake of lunch but especially dinner.

Share the calories according to the criteria of the Mediterranean diet (25-30% of lipids, about 1.2g of protein per kg of body weight, 10-16% of simple sugars and the rest complex carbohydrates).

Prefer low glycemic index foods providing about 30g / day of fiber (not too much).

Promote the intake of digestive herbs.

: fried, fatty cheeses, etc.

Meals too rich in proteins, especially in the evening: large portions of meat or fish (over 250g).

Raw meats and fish: carpaccio, tartare etc.

Overcooked eggs, meats and fish: stew, braised meat, omelette etc.

Alcohol, chili, coffee and other beverages / foods rich in irritating molecules.

Preserved foods: cured meats, canned foods, etc.

Chocolate: reduces the continence of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, predisposing to reflux.

Savoury foods.

Garlic and onion, especially raw, in the evening.

bitter and / or to favor the improvement of some liver and gallbladder disorders:

• Dandelion decoction: promotes the emptying of the gallbladder and promotes digestion.
• Artichoke herbal tea: protects and improves liver function; promotes the expulsion of bile.
• Milk Thistle Extract: Optimizes the repair of damaged liver cells.
• Infusion of nettle: favors the expulsion of bile.
• Infusion of chicory: favors the expulsion of bile.

, pro digestive and against mucosal inflammation:

• Antacids (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide etc.).
• Proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole, lansoprazole etc.).
• Gastroprotectors (sucralfate, bismuth compounds etc.).

Drugs that support liver function and bile thinning / spillage:

• Urodeoxycholic acid.
• Terpenes.
• Chenodeoxycholic acid.
• Thiazide diuretics.

Medicines to treat infections of the oral cavity.

• Antibiotics: for bacterial infections.
• Antifungals: For fungal infections such as candida.

Antidepressants or anxiolytics (if the bitter mouth is of psychological origin).

. It is necessary to maintain a normal weight.

Avoid infectious complications of the oral cavity.

Avoid metabolic alterations, both pathological and consequent to a "momentarily incorrect diet."

Eliminate alcohol and cigarettes.

Avoid fasting.

Practice physical activity and reduce mental stress with other methods.

, gastric or duodenal discomfort etc. surgery may prove helpful.